H.R.1445 - For the relief of Ruslana Melnyk and Mykhaylo Gnatyuk. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1445 is a bill introduced in the House of Representatives on February 18, 2025, seeking to grant permanent resident status to Ruslana Melnyk and Mykhaylo Gnatyuk. The bill waives certain provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow them to apply for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status. It also stipulates a reduction in the number of immigrant visas available to natives of their country of birth and denies preferential immigration treatment for their relatives.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would allow Ruslana Melnyk and Mykhaylo Gnatyuk to become lawful permanent residents of the United States. This would provide them with the rights and privileges associated with that status, including the ability to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. The bill also adjusts visa allocations and restricts future immigration benefits for their family members.
Potential Benefits
- Grants permanent residency to two individuals, offering them stability and opportunity in the U.S.
- Could potentially enrich the cultural diversity of the United States.
- May provide economic benefits through their contributions to the workforce and economy.
- Addresses individual cases of hardship or special circumstances.
- Demonstrates a humanitarian approach to immigration.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduces the number of immigrant visas available to others from the same country, potentially delaying or preventing their immigration.
- Could be perceived as unfair by those who have been waiting through the standard immigration process.
- May set a precedent for similar individual relief bills, potentially overwhelming the system.
- Could strain resources at the Department of Homeland Security and other relevant agencies.
- The denial of preferential treatment for relatives could be seen as harsh.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill falls under the power of Congress to establish rules for naturalization, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of the Constitution. However, the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment could be invoked if the criteria for granting this specific relief are deemed arbitrary or discriminatory compared to other immigration applicants. The bill does not appear to infringe on any other constitutional rights or principles.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).